SOME NEW MASSAGES

Therapies, applying thermal energy have become true hit. There is a reason for that: thermal methods relieve pain in muscles and back, and eliminate sense of tiredness and stress.

Thermal energy, applied in the exact amount and on the right place can make wonders in therapeutic significance, and exactly that is the reason thermal energy is applied in numerous alternative therapies. Moreover, scientists claim that therapies containing thermal energy are far more effective in treating low back pain than traditionally applied analgetic treatments.
Since thermal therapies are applied for a longer time, in this article, some of them, which are by the opinion of experts and patients far most effective, will be pointed out.
 

MOXIBUSTION (MOXA)
 
What is moxibustion?

Moxibustion is one of the oldest thermal therapy technique, traditionally applied in China. Moxibustion or Moxa is based on burning leaves of lower part, small, spongy herb, also known as mugwort, to facilitate healing. Moxa is usually applied in combination with acupuncture: certain amount of dry plant is put on the top of acupunctural needle and then is burned. Process of burning generates warmth in skin, which stimulates circulation and relaxes the patient.
Applied that way moxa represents unique sub-structure of traditional acupuncture, with which therapy effects are magnified and improved.
Moxa sticks are also applied in this therapy: top of a stick burns very slowly, and is approached acupuncture spot to approximately 1 inch distance.
Besides that in this therapy also direct appliance is used: scarring and non-scaring moxa. With scarring moxibustion, the moxa is placed on a point, ignited, and allowed to remain onto the point until it burns out completely, but this may lead to localized scarring, blisters and scarring after healing. Non-scarring moxibustion on the other hand does not leave scarring, since the moxa is placed on the point and lit, but is extinguished or removed before it burns the skin.
Indirect moxibustion is currently the more popular form of care because there is a much lower risk of pain or burning.

Why is mugwort used, and why not some other herb?
 
Mugwort is also known as artemesia vulgaris or ai ye in Chinese. Mugwort has a long history of use in folk medicine. Research has shown that mugwort acts as an emmenagogue  that is, an agent that increases blood circulation to the pelvic area and uterus and stimulates menstruation: this could explain its use in treating breech births and menstrual cramps.

When is moxibustion applied?

Chinese apply moxibustion therapy to move previously internal energy, also known as chi. Nevertheless moxibustion has been shown to be especially effective in pain relieving, as well as in preventing and treating numerous digestive and respiratory problems. Moxa has been shown to be effective in eliminating and relieving neck and shoulder pain, as well as dealing with headaches, which occur as consequences of neck and shoulder pain.

Does moxibustion work?

Research of Chinese scientists show 2 week moxibustion therapy is enough for treatment of pregnant women; moxibustion increases mobility of fetus: it moves breech babies into a normal head-down position prior to childbirth. Besides that, research show that moxibustion is effective therapy in many other cases, particularly when therapy with medicaments does not give results or is contradictive.
In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion is used on people who have a cold or stagnant condition. The burning of moxa is believed to expel cold and warm the meridians, which leads to smoother flow of blood and qi.


WARM STONE MASSAGE

What is warm stone massage?

Warm stone massage is absolutely relaxing experience! Simply said, if you love massage, when you try warm stone massage, you’ll adore this form of therapy.
Warm or hot stone massage uses smooth heated stones, which are often basalt and black volcanic volcanic rocks, which absorb and retain heat well.
Before you arrive, masseur sanitizes the stones and heats them in 120 and 150 degree water. Then stones are placed on specific part of your body: most often these are charka spots or energetic centers; stones can be left in specific points along your spine; or in the palms of your hand; or even between the toes to improve circulation of blood and energy in your body. Masseur may massage your body with hot stones, or might just leave them on your skin. Warmth from stones in transported to skin and penetrated deep into body. Of course, when stone colds, masseur replaces it with hot stone.
On the other hand, besides hot or warm stones, also cold stones are sometimes used: this is the case when you have inflammation or muscle injury. 

When is warm stone massage applied?

Warm stone massage functions on the principle of creating positive energy and stimulating of feeling internal peace and harmony. The goal of hot stone massage is not direct treatment of certain disease, but improvement of general and mental state. Taking this into consideration, it has been shown that hot stone massage is very effective in relieving nervosa, anxiety, pain, improving circulation, and other problems that are consequence of stress. Interesting information is also that heat of the stones helps muscles release more quickly than in traditional massage.

Does warm stone massage work?

Yes, it definitely works! You must try it!
Anyone that went through hot stone massage agrees, that hot stone massage relaxes, refreshes, and renovates energy.


CUPPING

What is cupping?

Cupping is another Chinese therapeutic method that uses thermal energy. In cupping technique glass or plastic bowls (sometimes cups- thus the name cupping) are pressed on the specific body parts (most often back), and are being heated in the mean while, which creates the vacuum effect. A partial vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin either by means of heat or suction. This draws up the underlying tissues. When the cup is left in place on the skin for a few minutes, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place. Because of the vacuum effect skin under the cup rises and becomes swollen for another 5 to 10 minutes. Sometimes due to vacuum effect from cups skin turns red, but it soon returns to its natural color.
Cupping therapy has been further developed as a means to open the 'Meridians' of the body. Meridians are the conduits in the body through which energy flows to every part of the body and through every organ and tissue. There are five meridians on the back that, when opened, allow invigorating energy to travel the whole length of the body. It has been found that cupping is probably the best way of opening those meridians.

When is cupping applied?

Capping method is most often applied in therapy of pain in lumbar part of back, shoulders, and legs. Capping has shown to be effective method when dealing with pneumonia, asthma and cough, particularly in children. Cupping has also been used in sport medicine: in therapy of sport injuries, and relieving pain in muscles.

Does cupping work?

In patients, suffering from chronic exhaustion, their condition was significantly improved after 12 therapies. Characteristic symptoms, such as insomnia, digestive problems, lack of concentration, and fatigue, were lessened.  
Cupping has also been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, causing tissues to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages, help activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries, activate the skin, clear stretch marks and improve varicose veins.
Cupping is the best deep tissue massage available: is very useful and very safe and can be easily learned and incorporated into your family health practices.